I guess I get to be second :) One of the biggest problems I found when applying for a permit was that most local Building & Planning departments have no clue as to the construction, erection, or engineering in regards to Amateur Radio towers. The first thing they think of when you go in and tell them you want to get a permit for a "tower" is that you are putting up a Wireless Communications tower, aka, Cell Tower. Then it's a long process to try and prove that your tower doesn't need to meet the icing or earthquake requirements that a WCF would need, that it meets all current engineering standards, etc. And with most cast strapped counties, they will do everything in their power to drag out the permit process so they can add whatever charges they can dream up to add to the bill. Let's just say, I can totally understand why some hams just put up the tower and say to hell with the permit process. If you try to do the right thing, that's when you get screwed. At least that is my experience, YMMV :)

John K7KB